Peaceful protest planned for Saturday morning in response to gun violence

Kalani LeSane is only 18-years old. She says organizing Saturday’s protest has been her way of dealing with recent violent events. And it’s not just about one isolated incident, but about the gun violence she sees taking over our entire nation.

In Austin, Texas mourners gathers at a vigil – remembering the 22 people shot and killed in an El Paso Walmart. And earlier this week, crowds gathered in downtown Colorado Springs to protest the gun violence that left one man dead and several police officers under investigation.

Now, there’s another protest planned, organized by LeSane and promoted on Facebook. ​​​​​​

“All in the same weekend not only here but in Texas, in Ohio,” she said. “There were a mass amount of gun violence. Whether it was from police, or from each other, or from people who are racist against other communities.”

She wants to address gun violence and police brutality. At last check her invite had nearly 100 RSVP’s with hundreds more interested in attending.

“The only way to get change is if we come together as one. We can’t fight each other on it,” she said.

LeSane says there have been reports of counter-protesters who disagree with her message and that makes her nervous. Still, she says this is not about division, it’s about mutual respect.

Longinos Gonzalez is an El Paso County Commissioner.

“People are mourning in different ways,” he said.

Gonzalez says these types of community protests are to be expected after so many tragedies back to back. And so long as they are peaceful, he says all conversations are welcome.

The peaceful protest is scheduled for Saturday morning beginning at 11:30 a.m. and will start on the corner of St. Vrain and North Tejon St.